maximum amount of a substance (solute) that dissolves in a given solvent at a specific temperature
"like dissolves like": polar solutes dissolve in polar solvents (water), nonpolar in nonpolar
measured in g/L or mol/L
increases with temperature for most solids; gases become less soluble as temperature rises
pressure affects gas solubility (Henry's law): higher pressure, more gas dissolves
saturation, supersaturation, and precipitation describe solution states
solubility of minerals in water drives weathering, cave formation, and nutrient cycling
drug solubility determines bioavailability in pharmacology
solubility product (Ksp) quantifies equilibrium for sparingly soluble salts